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Tuesday, June 18, 2013

 

Brookes Institute is moving to Ventura. The photography school has long had a sister campus in Ventura, but has been based out of Santa Barbara since the 1940’s. It’s being called a money saving move and will happen within the next year and a half. Brookes will maintain a small campus at its Cota Street address – but will give up its Mason Street property.

 

 

 

 

 

Intense sundowner winds along the Gaviota coastline created difficult conditions for firefighters yesterday, as they battled a brush fire. Winds were gusting up to 25 mph. There is also low humidity, and the high temperatures. The blaze broke out just after 3 p.m. Monday along the railroad tracks and Highway 101 near Mariposa Reina. An aggressive attack with crews from Santa Barbara County Fire, Forest Service, Vandenberg Air Force Base, and a water dropping helicopter kept the fire to just about an acre. Crews shut down one lane of the Southbound Highway 101, and rail traffic was shut down. Crews were able to knock out the flames within a couple of hours. Investigators are looking into the cause of the fire.

 

 

 

 

 

A herd of goats is on loan in Santa Barbara helping to reduce fire danger in the hills. Ian Newsam with Brush Goats 4 Hire from Buellton began the business seven years ago. This week a herd of 150 goats arrived on T.V. Hill off Carrillo.  The goats are great in deep and steep areas. The Santa Barbara City Fire Department says the goats have helped property owners with the required weed abatement to reduce fire dangers.  The taller goats reportedly can clear up to nine feet by standing on their hind legs. The goats are kept in their target zone by a low power electronic fence.  There are also two predator dogs to keep intruders out, including coyotes.

 

 

 

 

 

Organizers of the Summer Solstice Festival need more help. Volunteers are needed to work at the tables selling t-shirts and souvenirs. There's also a need for experienced servers in the beer garden. If you would like to help, stop by the Solstice Workshop this week and sign up. It's located at 515 Garden St. in Santa Barbara.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday, June 17, 2013

 

Crews will begin a 12-month construction operation in Mussel Shoals along the 101 next Wednesday (June 26). The work involves construction of several retaining walls and sound walls. Hours will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Crews will also begin a pile-driving operation on southbound U.S. 101 at Bates Road on this Wednesday (June 19) that will last for approximately five months. Hours will be 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Caltrans is constructing a six-mile carpool lane in each direction , along US 101 from Mobil Pier Road in Ventura County to Casitas Pass Road in Santa Barbara County. Additional improvements include: a pedestrian under-crossing in La Conchita, concrete barriers, southbound bike lane, median landscaping, reconstruction of existing drainage, closing existing median openings and installing Intelligent Transportation Systems.

 

 

 

The Goleta City Council will start to discuss this week the idea of a more permanent City Hall. Talk come after the council approved a100-thousnad dollars for a 2 year feasibility study. One of the possibilities is that it be built alongside the current community center on Hollister. The city is also looking at buying a 2.8 acre bus lot – owned by the school district for a potential site. More will be discussed at tomorrow’s meeting. 

 

 

 

Santa Barbara County leaders are talking money this week during the budget hearings. One of the top issues is how much money will go to sheriff patrols and fire protection. For the first time in six years, the Sheriff's Department will not see any cuts in employees. Public safety is almost two-thirds of the county's regular spending each year. If the sheriff's plan is approved, that is close to $120 million. There are talks of cuts for firefighters in the county. The Board of Supervisors will decide how much money will go to each county agency on this week (Friday).

 

 

 

Police in Camarillo say a 12-year-old boy riding his bike died after being hit by a car. It happened just after 5 p.m. on Sunday on the corner of Edgemont. He was taken to the hospital but pronounced dead.

 

 

 

A Santa Barbara woman mother was arrested after flipping her car with her children inside on Sunday afternoon. Santa Barbara police officials report 30 year old Heather Maassen was driving under the influence. The accident happened on Gutierrez Street between State and Chapala Streets. Maassen hit a parked car, which slammed into another parked car. The impact caused the Civic to flip over and land on its roof. One child was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. Maassen was arrested for felony DUI and child endangerment.

 

 

 

It was a big graduation weekend at UCSB, concluding a week of Commencement Exercises. About 6,000 students took part in graduation ceremonies. The University also estimates the ceremonies brought in some 40,000 visitors to town. The final three of 8 graduation ceremonies took place yesterday, including the last which included those who have earned their masters and doctorates.